Federer fires Swiss into final

Roger Federer secured Switzerland’s place in the final of the Davis Cup for the first time since 1992 by comfortably beating Fabio Fognini in Geneva on Sunday. Roared on by a capacity crowd in the Palexpo Arena, Federer dismantled the world number 17 Fognini 6-2, 6-3, 7-6 (4) in just under two hours. 

Switzerland, who lost to the United States in their only other Davis Cup final appearance in 1992, set up a title round with France, who beat holders Czech Republic at Roland Garros. 

‘It’s really nice to share it (victory) with my team members. I think I really struggled on Sunday. I think Fabio struggled all weekend. It’s tough conditions, pretty quick court, so it’s always going to happen especially if you are not serving so well. I thought on Sunday wasn’t the best performance from both of us but then again you’ve got to fight with what you’ve got and in the end I’m happy to make the difference,’ Federer said.

Federer gave the Swiss the first point on Friday by easing past Simone Bolelli before Stanislas Wawrinka doubled their advantage with a straight-sets victory over Fognini. 

But Fognini and Bolelli combined brilliantly in Saturday’s doubles match to beat Wawrinka and Marco Chiudinelli in five sets and put the pressure back on the Swiss. Having been rested for the doubles match, a refreshed Federer broke Fognini in the sixth game to take a 4-2 lead before snatching another break to claim the first set.